Hundreds of high school students were among the pro-life advocates who descended on Trenton for the second annual Mass, Rally and March for Life.
“In the words of Pope Francis, ‘We are called to be an island of mercy in a sea of indifference,’” Bishop Joseph Williams told those gathered Sept. 25 outside the State House Annex during the Rally for Life, which was followed by a march to the State House. Among the rally’s speakers were Jennie Bradley Lichter, president of the national March for Life Education and Defense Fund, as well as doctors, state lawmakers and other faith leaders.
“Part of what we’ve heard today is that there’s indifference toward unborn life in this State of New Jersey. You’re here because you care about that unborn life. You’re here to say a child is a child is a child, period. Born or unborn,” Bishop Williams said to thunderous applause.
About an hour earlier, Bishop Williams concelebrated the Mass for Life at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption with the Catholic bishops and archbishops of New Jersey and dozens of priests. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., of the Diocese of Trenton was the principal celebrant; Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson was the homilist. The Mass was also livestreamed.
In welcoming the hundreds in attendance – a large contingent of which were high school students – Bishop O’Connell said, “Let us offer to the Lord our heartfelt prayers that our country may turn to the Lord, that we might support the cause of life from conception to natural death.”
Bishop Sweeney praised the number of young people who traveled from across the state in support of the dignity of every human being. “Thank you for your witness on behalf of life,” he said, asking all of the high school students in attendance to stand.
Youth from Gloucester Catholic, Gloucester City; Paul VI, Haddonfield; and Camden Catholic, Cherry Hill, were among the high schools in attendance from the Diocese of Camden. Joining them were their directors of Catholic Identity.
In his homily, Bishop Sweeney reflected on his own youth and a priest who inspired in him a passion for human dignity. “‘Never underestimate the power of one Hail Mary,’” Bishop Sweeney said, quoting his mentor.
He went on to thank all parents for their willingness to accept life.
“All of us were there in the womb of our mom,” he preached. “Some of us might not recognize how difficult it might have been and what a heroic decision it was for the mom and dad – sometimes just the mom – to say ‘yes’ to the gift of life.”
He continued, “We are here to ask and invite all of our sisters and brothers – maybe especially those who disagree with us – to see the presence of God in each life. There are many people who disagree with us. We are aware of the divisions and anger and hatred … that are happening in our country. Please, let us never vilify or demonize those who disagree with us. Let us love those who disagree with us, maybe even hate us, for our stance on behalf of life.
“We can teach by our example that we can disagree with one another and still love one another,” Bishop Sweeney said.
Such sentiments resonated with Jason Grossman, a senior at Gloucester Catholic. He said he enjoyed spending time with peers from his school and many others, while also becoming more knowledgeable about state and national issues.
“Hearing all the speeches and listening to the priests and bishops in church opened my eyes about the much bigger problems there are, like abortion,” he said. “I think the March for Life gave me – and a lot of other people – an opportunity to see the harsh reality and helped us learn.”
Father Peter Gallagher, director of Catholic Identity at the school, agreed. “The Mass, speeches and March for Life shone light on the gift of human life and why it is so worthy of being protected, even at the earliest stages.”
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